Banana prices expected to skyrocket after Larry

Banana prices are expected to hit $6 a kilogram because of cyclone Larry in northern Queensland.

Bananas are one of the most popular fruit sold in Australia almost all year round, but 80 per cent of Australia's crop has been wiped out.

Bananas were selling for $4.20 a kilogram at the Melbourne fruit market yesterday, compared with the usual price of $1.20.

Fruiterer David Lazzaro says the banana shortage is Australia's worst in at least 40 years.

"You have droughts and you have hail storms that can wipe out crops, but there's always another area that will pick up the slack, that can increase production or carry a place through that down time," he said.

"But there's nowhere else that can supply the produce. I think bananas for the next eight to nine months will be more of a luxury."